Computational Anatomy and Biomechanics

Computational anatomy incorporates the use of geometric- and statistics-based mathematical techniques to analyze and understand the variation in human form and structure. Biomechanics represents one family of methods by which we can evaluate and understand the biological design of humans -- specifically, the relationship between form and function -- within the larger contexts of physical abilities and behaviour.

For us, computational anatomy includes understanding not only the range of external shapes of individual anatomical objects (e.g., muscles, bones), but also their internal architectures, as well as mapping the connections and spatial relations amongst anatomical elements. We are working to develop a visual grammar to describe the surface and volumetric features of organic objects, for the purpose of creating ontological models of the human anatomy that can be understood by both man and machine. Ultimately, comprehension of the human structure as a complex system is needed to create the framework upon which biomechanical principles can be applied to better understand and define human function and behaviour. Thus, we are also working to develop multi-scale representations of the human anatomy that can be integrated into biomechanical models and used in the realms of medicine, ergonomics, and visualization.

Publications

18 publications

Zhi Li, Jeremy Mogk, Dongwoon Lee, Jacky Bibliowicz, Anne Agur (2015)

Development of an Architecturally Comprehensive Database of Forearm Flexors and Extensors from a Single Cadaveric Specimen
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging & Visualization
January 2015, Volume 3 (Issue 1)
pp. 3 - 12

Towards the Development of a Biomechanical Ontology to Support the Initiatives of the Parametric Human ProjectPMHA 2013 Conference proceedings:
International Workshop on Biomechanical and Parametric Modeling of Human Anatomy
8 pages